Proverbs 4:27
Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.
Original Language Analysis
אַֽל
H408
אַֽל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
1 of 7
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תֵּט
Turn
H5186
תֵּט
Turn
Strong's:
H5186
Word #:
2 of 7
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
יָמִ֥ין
not to the right hand
H3225
יָמִ֥ין
not to the right hand
Strong's:
H3225
Word #:
3 of 7
the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south
וּשְׂמֹ֑אול
nor to the left
H8040
וּשְׂמֹ֑אול
nor to the left
Strong's:
H8040
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, dark (as enveloped), i.e., the north; hence (by orientation), the left hand
Cross References
Deuteronomy 28:14And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.Deuteronomy 5:32Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.Joshua 1:7Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.Proverbs 16:17The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.Deuteronomy 12:32What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.Isaiah 1:16Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;Romans 12:9Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
Historical Context
Deuteronomy 5:32-33 commanded Israel: 'Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. Ye shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God hath commanded you.' Faithfulness meant unwavering adherence to covenant stipulations despite surrounding nations' alternative paths.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'right' or 'left' diversions tempt you away from straightforward obedience?
- How can you maintain focused progress toward righteousness amid competing options?
- What does 'removing your foot from evil' require practically in your current circumstances?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Don't turn right or left; remove your foot from evil. The Hebrew 'natah' (turn aside) and 'suwr' (remove/depart) command straight forward progression in righteousness. Wandering right or left leads away from God's path. This verse demands focused directness - not exploring alternative routes but steadily pursuing the right way. Moral clarity requires resisting distractions, however appealing they may seem.